The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1887-01-20
7 H Z
SOCIALISM AND WAR.

ultimate outcome of the development OF
the principle of socialism, which is every
year gaining increased prominence, will
effect radical change in international
relations, inasmuch as the wars of the
future will be between classes rather
than nationalities. Years ago it was
predicted by students of social science
that the day would come in the not very
distant future when bloody wars such as
mark the history of the past from time
i.nmemorial, nation seeking to gain the
mastery over nation, would become i'm
possible through the wane of national
patriotism, which would become merged
into that vehement class sentiment
81 lich lies at the root Of modern Social
isn.
The present juncture in European
politics is peculiarly adapted for observ-
this theory, as also the extent OF its de-
yelopment. Diplomatic negotiations are
proceeding as OF old among the nations ;.
differences are as rife to-day as ever be-
lore, and as consequence the arsenals
Of nearly every one OF the major Powers
q actively engaged in the manufacture
Of additional tools of war; army and
navy estimates are being augmented,
nd forces placed upon war footing,
18th every Indication OF an approaching
Ilpture upon a scale of greater magni-
lde than in any previous instance.
These are the signs which cannot escape
he notice of the most casual observer.
Ieanwhile, there is a general uprising
ne race of men, but permeating the
corresponding classes of every land
7here the onward march of ed
4cation has prompted its growth.
That every Nihilist, every Social
st, Home Ruler or other malcon-
,ent with the existing order OF things
sees foe in every prince and peer of
Christendom is fact; that such men as
form these classes are not the material
from which were moulded the armies
which in by-gone days have maintained
the honor OF the flags in time OF war is
a truism the enthusiasm OF one, though
it NAV be on par with that of the other,
tends in quite another direction. A
large proportion OF the men who for
merly blindly followed their leaders with
unquestioning obedience and who, when
called to leave the arts OF peace in which
they had been engaged, unhesitatingly
turned from the ploughshare to the
sword, now regard the matter in very
different light. Who're once allegiance
TO their country was held to be para
mount instinct, now fealty to the great
ca1se of the emancipation of labor takes
its place. That .his widespread feeling
must curtail the available material for the
armies is apparent, but to what extent
will be efectually tested when the next
war is declared This feature is of the
more interest because the very countries
whose interests are involved in the pres
ent negotiations abroad, whichsit is gen
orally thought will lead to an outbreak
of war among them, are those where the
forces of democracy are the most marked
at home. Whilst the Car and his adj
visers are busying themselves about
foreign conquest and military aggran-
dizement, the Nihilists at home
are from tune to time ominously
making their presence felt Whilst
the ruling powers OF Germany
and France are vigorously push
ing ON the work OF perfecting their
military organizations, d proportion of
the effective strength OF the nation has
to be told off to hold in check similar
movements in those countries. While
the British Government is as actively pre-
paring for possible hostilities to protect
the highway to the Indian Empire,
the Home Rulers OF Ireland and the
Socialists of London are in like manner
a thorn in the side, forcing itself into
ever increasing prominence. These
things operate against the probabilities
OF war for two reasons. Besides cur
failing the available m tterial, they con-
stitute standing menace which it is not
safe to ignore. Moreover, there is a
kindred spirit among thess forces in the
Iifferent nations and it will hot be sur
1rising if they ultimately join hands and |
make common cause against power and